Regret

Kapitula treinta y nueve

Irene's POV

"Hon? Can you let everyone know?" sabi ko kay Greggy, trying to keep my voice steady kahit pa sobrang bigat ng pakiramdam ko.

He looked at me, eyes filled with concern, pero he nodded without hesitation. "Of course, love. I'll call them now," he said gently, squeezing my hand before standing up. I watched him take out his phone and step out of the room, his face becoming more tense with every step.

By everyone, I meant Mommy, Manang Imee, Kuya Bongbong, Aimee—and their children, lalo na si Mackie and Zia. They all deserved to know what was happening with Ely. Si Luis at Alfonso, ang mga kuya niya, syempre, kailangan din nilang malaman.

Our family.

I stayed seated in that cold, sterile hospital chair, staring blankly at the white walls. I didn't know how to process everything. It felt like I was stuck in a nightmare na walang katapusan. Greggy's voice faded as he walked further away, calling one family member after another. Each conversation probably making the reality sink in deeper.

Luis and Alfonso... My heart clenched at the thought of my two boys. They've always been there for Ely, kahit na lagi silang busy. They adored their little sister. How could I even begin to tell them that their ading is in this state?

God, please, give me strength. Give us all strength.

The silence of the hospital was deafening, broken only by the occasional sound of a nurse walking past or the distant hum of the machines. It was like time had slowed down, trapping me in this agonizing limbo. I couldn't think straight; I couldn't focus on anything but the fear gnawing at the back of my mind.

Ely... my baby. Please be okay.

After what felt like forever, Greggy returned, his face a mix of worry and calm. I could see it in his eyes—he was trying to stay strong for me. "I've spoken to them, hon," he said softly, taking a seat beside me again. "They're on their way. Lahat sila."

I nodded, trying to keep myself from breaking down again. "Thank you," I whispered, though it felt like such a small thing to say, considering everything.

Greggy sighed and reached for my hand again, his thumb gently brushing against my knuckles. "We'll get through this, my love. We'll all be here for Ely. She's surrounded by so much love."

I wanted to believe him. I needed to believe him. But right now, all I could do was sit here, waiting for any kind of news—any sign that Ely was going to pull through.

We'll all be here for her.

I don't know how much time had passed. Parang lumulutang lang ako sa hangin, waiting for some news, for anything. The walls of the hospital felt like they were closing in, suffocating me, but at the same time, they were the only thing keeping me grounded. I was starting to lose track of everything—of time, of my thoughts, of what was real.

Then, I heard hurried footsteps and familiar voices coming from the hallway. Dumating na sila.

Unang pumasok si Manang Imee, always so composed, but I could see the worry etched on her face. Kasunod niya si Kuya Bongbong, who immediately walked towards me and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. His usual strong presence seemed a little softer now.

"Irene," sabi ni Manang, kneeling beside me to look into my eyes. "Kamusta na? May balita na ba kay Ely?"

I shook my head, feeling the lump in my throat grow even bigger. "Wala pa... Hindi pa sila lumalabas sa operating room," I managed to say, my voice trembling.

"She's a fighter," Kuya Bongbong said, squeezing my shoulder. "Ely's a fighter, just like you. Lalaban yan."

Gusto ko siyang paniwalaan, but the fear was too overwhelming. What if... what if she doesn't pull through? Hindi ko kakayanin.